Trouble Engaging in CBT? Working with Limbically Reactive Individuals

Evidence based, trauma-informed cognitive behavioural interventions have assisted numerous children, youth and adults to successfully integrate traumatic experience, however many are not quite ready and have challenges effectively engaging in CBT methods. Participants will focus on specific “hands on” interventions when working with traumatized individuals stuck in a limbically reactive state.

Barriers to success with CBT have arisen when the traumatized individual involved is stuck in a limbically reactive state. Severe behavioural disturbances resulting from chaotic, violent and disrupted attachment experiences often challenge effective engagement in CBT methods. 

In some ways, for these individuals CBT is the graduate program when the clinical needs are at a primary school level!  The clinical match is “off”. These clients many times complete CBT program but re-enter the system for similar problematic symptoms and behaviour.  The method is sound; the therapist is competent; but is the client ready?

The focus of this training will be on specific “hands on” interventions for use with children, youth and adults. 

Case examples will be used to illustrate clinical material. Participants are welcome to present particularly challenging case examples for discussion.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the impact of developmental arrest and its implications for effective trauma treatment. 
2. Comprehend an approach and methodology which has been successful in preparing children to better engage in traditional CBT intervention. 
3. Describe a protocol for screening and assessing clinical needs.
4. Demonstrate how to address the needs of caregivers when developing appropriate family support and intervention including biological families, foster families and residential staff.

Who Should Attend 

This course is recommended for any mental health practitioners and Child and Youth workers who provide intervention with children and adolescents. 

Course Dates & Format 

March 26 & 27, 2025

12:30pm – 3:30pm ET

This is a 6-hour training. This course consists of two 3-hour interactive virtual sessions using Zoom.

Instructor:  Geraldine Crisci 

Geraldine Crisci, M.S.W. is a mental health professional with over 30 years experience in the field of trauma. She is a private practitioner who provides assessment and treatment to children, youth and their families. Geraldine primarily works with children who have been resistant to traditional behavioural and other mental health interventions. These children often present with complex trauma and attachment disruption histories. She works with biological families, foster families, day treatment programs and residential settings. Utilizing developmental, attachment and complex trauma focus has enabled Geraldine to effectively assist these families.

Training Fee

Member Fee: $195.00 + $25.35 (HST) = $220.35

Non-Member Fee:  $235.00 + $30.55 (HST)= $265.55

Group Registration: Save 20% off individual fees with a group registration of 4 or more participants. Download the group registration form HERE.

Continuing Education Information 

Licensing boards and professional organizations will grant Continuing Education credits for attendance at their discretion when participants submit the course outline and certificate. 

In-Service 

This is available as an in-person or virtual in-service training and customized to suit your needs.

To Register

Register for March 26 & 27, 2025 here https://www.safeguards-training.net/course/limbically-reactive-individuals/